Okay I was given this thing awhile ago for helping a friend move. For the hell of it I decided to pull it out and try the headphone output. Is it normal for an old receiver to have this strong of an output through the headphone jack? The low end is a bit bloated and maybe not as clean as my Meta, but at -25 "LOUDNESS" the soundstage opens up and generally everything comes alive with the HD600s in comparison. First time I'd call the Senns dynamic. If nothing else they've showed me what a more powerful amp will do with the HD600s. Not sure which sound I prefer, but it's certianly interesting from a cheap component (these things go for under $20 on eBay all the time). We'll see.

Is anyone else using an old receiver for an amp? Are there some good ones to look out for?

The S-7100A (ca. 1971). While the original S-7100 had transformer-coupled outputs, the "A"-version was transformer-less. Also, the flip-switch problem had been solved. At the first version the switch springs had a tendency to break. All the other models in the range had push-buttons for switching. Due to its relatively low price the S-7100 was quite popular. Common on all the models in this range was the "loudness" function - as the volume knob function was called. At the "loudness" control the Fletcher-Munson frequency curve compensation was the default setting and had to be de-coupled for a flat response. As volume was increased the curve was automatically, and gradually, flattened. A good idea in theory, but only correct at a given speaker sensitivity and room acoustics. Sherwood always catered well for the tape enthusiasts, as there were connections at the front panel,too.

Power rating of the S-7100A: Approx. 2x17 watts. In the best Sherwood tradition the tuner section was quite good, considering the price of this unit.

Is it normal for an old receiver to have this strong of an output through the headphone jack?

Yes, the vintage tube and solid state receivers from the 1960 and 1970s generally tap the main power amplifier for the headphone jack. Resistors are used to match the audio level between speakers and headphones so that one is not appreciably louder than the other, when you switch from one to the other you won't get a blast of sound.

Is anyone else using an old receiver for an amp?
Yes

Are there some good ones to look out for?
Yes (Do a search of this forum for 'Vintage' and you will see quite a bit of information on these units.

Still up listening to this combo. The CD780s sound worse on this than the Meta, but the HD600s have really opened up. Interesting they both required about the same volume. Listening to an Ennio Morricone collection at the moment and it's pretty amazing. Reminds me of listening to an old Grundig wooden radio one Christmas. Guess the Senns needed a little more power.

Originally posted by blessingxStill up listening to this combo. The CD780s sound worse on this than the Meta, but the HD600s have really opened up. Interesting they both required about the same volume. Listening to an Ennio Morricone collection at the moment and it's pretty amazing. Reminds me of listening to an old Grundig wooden radio one Christmas. Guess the Senns needed a little more power.

I like my receiver as well

This may be blasphemy on this board..but after trying many wonderful sounding headphone amps...Perreaux, Corda HA-2, Corda HA-1 mkII & Singlepower PPX3 I prefer the headphone jack out of my 1991 Denon AVR2000 Receiver. I know its all subjective, but to my ears, the sound is just right. The sound is refined, alive and power to spare.

Re: I like my receiver as well

Quote:

Originally posted by JMedeirosThis may be blasphemy on this board..but after trying many wonderful sounding headphone amps...Perreaux, Corda HA-2, Corda HA-1 mkII & Singlepower PPX3 I prefer the headphone jack out of my 1991 Denon AVR2000 Receiver. I know its all subjective, but to my ears, the sound is just right. The sound is refined, alive and power to spare.

<Dons flame-retardant suit>

John

Both of my absolutely ancient Fisher receivers are magnificent with Sennheisers and Etys. They lack somewhat for portability.

Yep, just tested the ER4Ss and they sound better too. The impedance separation seems to be somewhere between the 780s 32 and the higher Etys and Senns. But the 780s still sound better than out of the Audiophile USB headphone jack which is pretty decent (when PS upgraded). Unfortunately the Etys expose the less clean sound of the Sherwood, so there's a bit of static in the background (may try to isolate cause somehow). Also lowering the bass tone control to -2 has taken care of the bloat issue.

Very curious about trying a Marantz 2220, 2230 or possibly a 1060. Wonder how much difference there would be? Sherwood isn't exactly the most respected ... at least since I've know of them. Anyone know their rep back in the early 70s?

This is certainly interesting as an alternative to more expensive headphone amps.